Page 37 of Decked Out with Ivy

“She also told me you have since bought suitable attire for staying in the White Mountains in December.”

“In my defense, it doesn’t snow in LA. I don’t own a lot of snow boots and winter coats.”

“I would hate to celebrate Christmas with no chance of snow,” Deb said. “Snow makes it magical.”

“I’ll have to take your word for it. I’ve never experienced a white Christmas.”

Ivy gasped. “That’s so sad.”

“Many people haven’t.” He wouldn’t tell her he hadn’t celebrated Christmas in more than a decade, choosing to stay locked in his house with a bowl of ramen and a beer. He didn’t even know what people ate at Christmas other than Chinese.

“You should join us for the Parker Family Annual Gingerbread Contest.”

“Mom, what are you doing?” Ivy asked.

“I’m inviting Cody to the gingerbread contest. Now shush.”

“If it’s okay with Ivy,” Cody said, glancing at her. He didn’t want to impose on her family traditions.

“Of course it is.” Deb waved Ivy off. “We will see you then.”

“Do I need to bring anything?” He might not have had the greatest upbringing, but he prided himself on etiquette andknew it was the right thing to ask. And maybe part of him wanted Deb to like him.

Deb chucked his chin. “Just your handsome self.”

Chapter 12

Just as Ivy expected, pictures of her and Cody at the ugly sweater party made the rounds on social media the next morning. Cody had woken up to several texts from his agent telling him to keep it up. He didn’t even respond before pulling Ivy into his arms and making love to her again. She could still feel his touch on her inner thighs as she stood in her mother’s kitchen.

Cody had to stay late to film a few night shots and told her he’d have Jim drop him off when he was finished. With their mouths busy all morning, she never got to prepare him for what to expect at a Parker Gingerbread Competition. The Ugly Sweater Party was mild. Nobody really cared who won. It was all in good fun. But her family took their gingerbread houses seriously. So seriously, Cynthia and Rome didn’t talk for over two weeks once because Cynthia accused Rome of copying her idea. Then there was the time Poppy had bumped into Trey’s house, knocking it to the floor in a glory of gingerbread and frosting. Trey had insisted she sabotaged him on purpose, while Poppy remained adamant it was an accident. Ivy still wasn’t sure she believed Poppy was innocent, though she didn’t think her sister meant to shatter the house into a million pieces. Maybe just one or two easily fixable breaks.

Ivy placed bowls of candy at each station set up around the kitchen. Each bowl held a different candy from peppermints to M&M’s to gumdrops. Bags of frosting were also placed at each station, along with bottles of sprinkles. Those were the provided staples, but if someone had a vision, they were allowed to bring their own supplies. Ivy always brought extra M&M’s since Trey always stole hers.

“So, is it serious?” Aunt Claire asked as she popped a gumdrop in her mouth.

She had never been a great liar and lying to her family seemed like a jailable offense, but after their many nights together, she’d admit that somewhere along the way, the lines had blurred.

“I don’t know,” she said, being as honest as she could. “He’s only here for filming, then he’ll be back to California and off to whatever it is celebrities do.”

“It doesn’t have to be that way. Look at Bex and Chase, they make it work, and they’re both just as in love as when they first started dating,” Aunt Claire said.

“I agree.” Mom placed sheets of gingerbread cookies on the island. “We see the way you two look at each other.”

“You can always tell by the eyes.” Aunt Claire popped another gumdrop in her mouth.

Mom swatted Aunt Claire’s hand. “If you don’t stop eating those, we’re not going to have any to decorate with.”

Aunt Claire stuck her green tinged tongue out, but before Mom could reply, the house filled with familiar voices. Rome, Trey, and Cynthia came into the kitchen, bickering as always, not even stopping as they gave everyone a hug hello.

“I did not steal your idea,” Cynthia said to Rome.”

“Are you willing to admit that in a court of law?”

“You’re going to sue me? The judge would laugh in your face.”

“Oh heavens, not this again.” Aunt Claire sighed. “I swear on all that is holy, if you two stop talking this holiday season, neither of you are allowed over for Christmas dinner. And!” She held her finger up when they went to argue, cutting them off immediately. “No cookies. I won’t allow Ivy or Poppy to smuggle.”

“But, Mom…” Cynthia all but whined. Hilarious, considering she was a thirty-four-year-old lawyer who dominated the court rooms of Boston before moving back to Red Maple Falls to takeover for Roger Higgins, the only lawyer in the county, when he retired.

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